Out of the Silent Planet Summary
Dr. Elwin Ransom's adventure begins in the English countryside. While seeking shelter from a storm, he meets a frantic farm woman worried about her mentally disabled son Harry, who hasn't returned from his job at a neighbor's house. Ransom walks over to the neighbor's house, where he finds Harry defending himself from the owner, Professor Weston.
- Weston's friend Devine recognizes Ransom as an old schoolmate. Together, Weston and Devine let Harry go and invite Ransom for a drink. Ransom realizes too late that Weston has drugged him. He wakes up on a spaceship headed for Malacandra, where he will be given to the alien Sorns as a human sacrifice.
- The fourteen-foot-tall Sorns approach the three men at their camp on Malacandra. Just as Ransom is to be handed over, a giant sea monster attacks. Ransom escapes into the wilds of Malacandra, where he meets Hyoi, a member of the Hrossa race. The Hrossa resemble large otters and worship a spirit named Oyarsa.
- Hyoi, Ransom, and their friend Whin go hunting for the hranka, the sea monster that saved Ransom before. A spirit visits Ransom, ordering him to visit Oyarsa. He disobeys, and Hyoi is killed as a result. Ransom then seeks out Oyarsa, who gives him the option of returning home to Earth or staying on Malacandra, which has been identified as Mars. Ransom chooses to return.
Summary
Elwin Ransom embarks on a solitary walking tour through the English countryside, seeking adventure and respite. His travels lead him to a distressed farm woman whose son, Harry, has not returned home. This encounter propels him towards a nearby professor's house, where he hopes to find both Harry and shelter for the night.
An Unexpected Encounter
Arriving at the professor's home, Ransom discovers it shrouded in darkness and locked. Undeterred, he squeezes through a hedge and stumbles upon Professor Weston and his associate, Devine, grappling with young Harry. Recognizing Ransom from school, Devine introduces Ransom to Weston, a notable physicist. The men offer Ransom a drink, but he soon realizes, too late, that it has been spiked.
A Journey to Malacandra
Ransom awakens, disoriented, aboard a spaceship and overhears a conversation that reveals he is intended as a human sacrifice to entities on the planet Malacandra. As the ship travels through space, Ransom discovers that the universe is awash with vibrant light, contrary to Earth's perception of space as cold and dark. After a month-long voyage, they land on the unusual planet, a pastel realm where gravity creates elongated natural forms.
Escape and Exploration
Upon landing, the trio sets up camp, but the arrival of six towering, thin sorns prompts a sudden scramble. During a distraction caused by a monstrous creature's attack, Ransom seizes the opportunity to flee. He soon encounters a hross, an alien resembling a tall otter, and they begin to communicate. Together, they journey to the hross village, where Ransom starts to learn their language and culture.
Life Among the Hrossa
Ransom spends five peaceful weeks with the hrossa, forging a deep friendship with Hyoi, his initial guide. He learns of the planet's three intelligent species—the sorns, hrossa, and a third group, the pfifltriggi, who are skilled craftsmen. These species coexist harmoniously, underpinned by their shared spiritual beliefs.
A Sacred Hunt
The hrossa's religious teachings reveal a pantheon led by Maleldil the Young, with Oyarsa as the planetary ruler, supported by spirit beings called eldil. When Ransom speaks of the sea monster, the hnakra, it ignites excitement among the hrossa, as hunting it is a cultural honor. Invited to join the hunt, Ransom agrees, despite being forewarned by an eldil to meet Oyarsa immediately. Disregarding the advice, Ransom participates in the hunt, which concludes triumphantly but tragically when Hyoi is shot by Weston.
A Journey to Oyarsa
Haunted by Hyoi's death, Ransom resolves to seek Oyarsa. His climb up a steep mountain brings him to Augray, a sorn who provides nourishment and shows Ransom Earth through a telescope, referring to it as Thulcandra, "the silent planet." Augray then carries Ransom to Meldilorn, a place adorned with golden flowers and filled with eldils, where he learns more about the planet's history.
Meeting the Planetary Ruler
The next day, Ransom is summoned by Oyarsa, appearing as a shimmering form over water. Oyarsa inquires about Earth, revealing that Earth's Oyarsa had rebelled long ago, rendering it silent. Weston and Devine are brought before Oyarsa but fail to take him seriously, making fools of themselves with their ignorance and arrogance.
Judgment and Departure
Oyarsa, disappointed by Weston’s moral corruption, orders them back to Earth, providing just enough supplies for the journey. During a solemn ceremony, the Malacandrians honor the deceased hrossa, including Hyoi. Ransom, now understanding Oyarsa's wisdom, is offered the choice to stay or return to Earth. Despite the allure of Malacandra, he opts to return.
The Return Voyage
The spaceship’s return journey is fraught with perils, including a dangerous pass near the sun and an obstructive moon. As supplies dwindle, Ransom prepares for the worst, but miraculously awakens to find they have landed on Earth. Emerging into the familiar landscape, he makes his way to a pub, reflecting on his incredible journey.
A New Chapter
Back home, Ransom is plagued by doubts about his experiences, fearing they were mere delusions. However, a letter from his friend Lewis regarding "Oyarses" rekindles his belief. He shares his tale with Lewis, and they decide to immortalize it in a novel, fully aware that few would believe the truth. The postscript consists of Ransom critiquing Lewis's interpretation of events.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.